Endeavour Foundation launches 60th anniversary celebration

Endeavour Foundation took the opportunity of International Day of People with a Disability today to launch plans to celebrate 60 years of supporting people with a disability to lead ordinary lives.

Since it was founded in 1951, Endeavour Foundation has witnessed a great change in public perceptions of disability, which could not have been possible without the support of the community.

The organisation was started by a passionate group of parents who set up a school after refusing to accept that their children with a disability could not be educated.

Since then community attitude has changed greatly and people with a disability are now accepted in mainstream schools and community activities.

“The change in public opinion, acceptance and the fading of stigmas attached to disability is thanks to the local communities, which support people with a disability and celebrate abilities by getting behind events or campaigns regarding disability,” said Endeavour Foundation CEO David Barbagallo.

“International Day of People with a Disability - a United Nations event that aims to promote awareness and understanding of people with disability - is the perfect day to launch our 60th anniversary.

“With such positive changes in the last 60 years Endeavour Foundation looks forward to what may come over the next 60 years, such as the possibility of a National Disability Insurance Scheme and more funding to better provide opportunities to people with a disability.

“Next year, we will be celebrating our 60th birthday and we will be asking the entire community to celebrate with us, because without our supporters, we would not be able to offer the life-changing services we do.”

Endeavour Foundation is very proud of its role in advocating for the rights, dignity and well-being of people with a disability.

A diverse program of events will be held in communities across Queensland and New South Wales to engage everyone in the celebrations throughout 2011.

Endeavour Foundation offers employment, training, accommodation, education and lifestyle opportunities to more than 3,350 people with a disability throughout Queensland and Sydney.